The Stars Group (formerly PokerStars) announced the launch of PokerStars Power Up, an online game developed in-house that mixes aspects of traditional poker and modern video games.
PokerStars Power Up is based on a No Limit Hold ‘em Poker Sit & Go format, with three players facing off across an agreed upon buy-in stake of $1, $3, $7 or $15. Players will start with the same amount of chips and are dealt two cards on each hand as usual, but also begin the game with two randomly selected powers, such as “Clone,” “Intel,” “Disintegrate” and “Scanner.”
These powers regenerate during the game, enabling players to, among other things, receive a copy of the last power played, look at the deck, eliminate a card and force an opponent to reveal one of his or her cards.
However, each power uses energy, and players are advised to keep track of their energy level so that they can play their power when it matters the most.
“Poker has maintained its popularity for nearly two centuries because it has evolved with the times,” said Rafi Ashkenazi, chief executive of the Stars Group. “PokerStars Power Up continues this evolution by providing a modern twist on traditional poker that we believe will be exciting to not only poker players, but to a broad spectrum of gamers as well.
“We’ve been encouraged by the reaction during alpha testing in July and August, and are optimistic that PokerStars Power Up will introduce poker to a new generation of mobile gamers, excite current players and help reconnect with less active or former players.”
